This week, we are talking all things timeless and classic tablewares to elevate your home. The pieces that you invest in and just know they're going to be with you for years to come. Those intentional and conscious items that are made to last, and over time will bring back so many wonderful memories of shared occasions with loved ones.
When holidaying up North with my family recently, I received an unexpected call from Rebecca introducing me to her brand new linen company Flou. Textile and Design…it had literally launched the night before. I adore speaking with new start up entrepreneurs as I have so much respect for the hard work and dedication that goes into launching a business (trust us, it’s so rewarding but relentless). To top off my enjoyable chat with Rebecca, it was love at first sight when I looked at her collection, Rebecca has designed and produced a collection that is so close to my heart - textiles and napery.
If there’s one thing I’m passionate about (who am I kidding, I’m obsessed about EVERYTHING interiors related) it’s coming together with loved one ones. At norsu, we adore creating that welcoming and cosy “feeling” - and we’re here to share our tips and tricks for creating this magic in your homes…welcome to Gathered by norsu.
Nat xxx
CREATING THE PERFECT FEELING
Linen, linen and more linen
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It’s no secret that I have an unhealthy love for linen. There’s something so beautiful about how its relaxed rumpled look creates such understated elegance in your home. It looks effortless but luxurious in the same breath - my dream as a working Mum/design devotee.
One little fact that I want to share - and one that’s so important to Flou’s vision - is sharing how sustainable and eco-friendly linen is…even more so than cotton! Linen is made from the flax plant which requires less water to grow, fewer pesticides to care for, and no chemicals are needed to produce the fibres. Doing that little bit for our precious environment is so important, don’t you agree?
What more, flax linen has been around for a really long time…I mean, a reealllyyy long time. The first evidence of it was found in a cave in Southeastern Europe and was around 36,000 years old! It has remained virtually unchanged. Not only demonstrating it’s hardiness and popularity through the ages, but also its ability to be timeless. And my favourite part is that linen love to be used. The more you use and wash your linens, the softer and better they get. Like a good glass of wine, linen gets better with age.
Layering
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Not only will a tablecloth help protect your cherished table, it instantly transforms a space into something special. When dressing your table, make sure it overhangs on each side of your table…just like rugs, when in doubt bigger is better. I love nothing more than seeing the fabric bunched and pooled elegantly on the floor…so delicious! Not saying all budgets allow for this, but layering two can also elevate your table to the next level. Maybe for a special anniversary or big birthday…
If you’re anything like us, you may love to change your look regularly so I would suggest investing in a white table cloth. Not only can it look classically sophisticated, it will mean you can decorate and style with any colour.
On this, our norsu tip is mixing the colours of your napkins - we always opt for two or three hues in any setting. This is the key to avoiding that somewhat sterile restaurant or hotel look! At norsu we’re all about making a home feel inviting, just like a warm hug. Be sure to look at our suggested combinations below for some inspiration!
Also don’t feel that you need to perfectly fold your napkins, enjoy the organic nature of linen. Just like my tip for placing a throw, simply grab one corner of your napkin and casually drape it over the plate or table.
If you want to add a little touch of sophistication, add a hint of brass with Flou’s arched napkin rings (I am literally taking 20 home tonight!). Pull the napkin corner through and voila!
Channelling your vibe
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I can almost hear my ten year old laughing at me here…Mum you’re too old to say “vibe”. Sorry Annabel, this one is important so listen in. Before decorating your table, think about the vibe you’re trying to create. Is it an impromptu celebration with a casual glass of bubbles or Aperol Spritz, is it sitting by an open fire with a rustic roast or is stepping it up a notch with a little fine dining (I’m thinking baked salmon). Once you’ve done this, it’s time to add the finishing touches that reflect your vibe. We’ve created a few to help get the creative juices flowing…
Sunset
Jealous of the European holiday snaps circulating everywhere on Insta, we created a look that evokes a casual celebratory vibe. We used warm and uplifting tones - terracottas, salmons, natural flax - and we added foliage that channelled sipping cocktails on the Amalfi coast. This was our opportunity to style using our brass candle coasters and Inartisan onyx stoneware (hurry, it’s insanely beautiful!).
Forest
This look reminds me of sharing a rustic roast and passing the slow cooked roast potatoes around the table with our large family. The inclusion of olive green tones, coupled with striped forest napkins (these are my favourite!!) creates a relaxed and homely vibe. To add a touch more warmth, we used the hottest brass cutlery you’ve ever seen, travertine stone and included a tiny pop of nude blush to make it feel like norsu. Who’s ready for a glass of red or whiskey?
Glacier
We’ve got a little fancy with this one and while it’s not our normal norsu look, our clan has voted this one our favourite! We were inspired by the embroidered detail on Flou’s cool grey napery which instantly creates a more sophisticated and moody vibe. We opted for sleek onyx cutlery, smoked grey tumblers and massive drumroll…Robert Gordon’s Poet’s Dream collection in their new hot-off-the-press colour, Cashmere Grey. LOVE is a drastic understatement. Oh and one more tip, pair it with white and a muted pastel colour to create a little contrast if you’re struggling with the darker tones.
Shop the look
Tips for Caring for your Linen
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Washing
Flou. linen can be machine washed on a cold gentle cycle using a mild detergent to protect the fibres. Don’t be afraid of washing your linen pieces, as they continue to get softer each time.
TIP: Instead of using bleach on your linen, show it some love with natural products. Add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of vinegar into your machine to help brighten and soften your linen.
Drying
It's best to keep your natural fibres out of the tumble dryer. The best thing about linen is it doesn’t need to be ironed, which is perfect for all those busy bodies out there. However, if you're a little uncomfortable with this, a simply warm iron is perfectly fine!
TIP: Simply give it a thorough shake and hang flat to dry to avoid needing to iron at all. It works every time!
Storing
Always store your linen in a cool, dry place. This will ensure they stay fresh and last for years!
TIP: To avoid the colour changing or fading, when you're not using it, place your treasured linen in a bag so it's air tight.
